The stock fan clutch cooling setup does a great job on our S54 engines, however sometimes it’s not enough. To add another layer to the situation, if your fan blades grenades inside your engine bay you can cause destruction to your hose, radiator, hood and other surrounding parts.
The N15 Design E46 M3 Electric Fan Mount is a great way to add a 16″ SPAL electric fan because it’s so easy to install. In addition, the AUX Fan Controller Mount (optional) allows you to retain the stock controller to run the fan on auto as an OEM style would. Don’t get intimidated of the crazy electric fan setups and the false “requirements” to run a fan controller. This one is truly easy to install.
Tools Required
- N15 Design E46 M3 Electric Fan Mount
- 16" SPAL fan or similar (SPAL 2024 16" Puller Fan 30102049 - $151.56)
- 4mm hex bit
- T25 torx bit
- 10mm socket
- 19mm socket
- 8mm wrench
- 32mm wrench
- Ratchet
- 3/16" drill bit
- Drill
- Wire stripper [amazon_link asins='B000OQ21CA' template='PriceLink' store='builjour-20' marketplace='US' link_id='ece54d1d-aff0-4bb8-8b56-740a4e811397']
- BMW Water Pump Pulley Locking Tool $25.95
- Coolant
- Funnel
N15 Design Electric Fan Mount - E46 M3
❗ You don't need to remove the radiator for this job, however you'll need a special angle drill (or maybe even Dremel?) to make holes for the mount. I chose to take mine out only because I was already in the middle of another job.
2. Remove radiator fan shroud and fan.
2.2 Remove the 3 push pins holding the shield. There is one on top directly center, one driver and one passenger. Remove using pliers. I don’t have pictures of the passenger side of the shield because I don’t run that. This is a picture of the driver side shield.
❗ Be very careful when you remove the coolant expansion line from the upper radiator hose. It's a good idea to pull this so you don't damage the line when the radiator is moving around. This piece is very brittle!
8. Install fan using supplied hardware.
8.1 Plug in the fan using the stock connector.
8.2 Tuck wiring away from the belts and water pump. I zip tied mine to the back of the fan case.
8.3 Add coolant inside the system if you chose to drain your radiator in Step 3.
8.4 Bleed the cooling system properly. During this procedure the fan should turn on.